WHAT: News conference in Grand Rapids to announce a bipartisan, 19-bill legislative package to crack down on human trafficking and support its victims and survivors. The public is welcome to attend.

WHEN:Monday, Oct. 7 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Diocese of Grand Rapids 360 Division Ave. S Grand Rapids, MI

WHY: Human trafficking is the world’s second-largest and fastest-growing criminal industry. In Michigan, it is estimated that every month up to 150 girls under the age of 18 are sold into the world of sex trafficking.

Initiatives in the package include eliminating statute of limitations, criminalizing online solicitations of minors, and increasing both training for medical professionals and treatment for victims.

Emmons’ efforts on human trafficking include raising public awareness by hosting a Human Trafficking 101 Forum in March and the Human Trafficking Legislative Day at the Capitol in May and leading a book tour with Theresa Flores this summer. Flores is a native of Birmingham, MI and the author of The Slave Across the Street, her personal story about how she overcame human trafficking.